Sani Pass

October 11th, 2008

As we are adventurous types, we decided to drive up the Sani Pass. This is a mountain pass from South Africa to the Lesotho border which climbs up to 2, 873m and is rightly boasted as being the highest border post in the world. Only those with 4x4 need apply. Advice was given to drive in low range, second gear and keep momentum to avoid the sheer, but stunning drop. We made our ascent at about 10 am. Climbing steadily, stopping only for photos we revealed in the beauty of our surroundings, orange and red coloured cliffs, green fields with low grass and the occasional donkey.

We stopped only once, at a designated viewpoint. Asking a friendly woman if she would take our photo we soon made acquaintance. She was from Cape Town and her brother from Canada. As we admired the view, we also met their mother. She lives in a box. A small green box, neatly labelled with her name. Did I mention she is cremated? As it turns out every time the family meets up they scatter part of her ashes in a carefully thought out location. They were giving her, her final hurrah and scattering her ashes at her favourite holiday place the Sani Pass Chalet, which is immediately past the border.

Back in the car we ascended the most difficult part of the pass, definitely in low range, second gear. At last we made it, to the roof of Africa and what a roof it is. Spectacular views all around.